Karl von Drais (1785-1851) was a German inventor and aristocrat. He invented the first typewriter with a keyboard, a meat grinder and a predecessor to modern bicycles called Laufmaschine (Running Machine) or Draisine.
The Poison Apple
In the late 1700’s Europeans were growing tomatoes as ornamental fruits rather than consumables. Valued for their beauty, they were feared to be poisonous.
The Labyrinth
Rather than to confuse and puzzle, the predecessor of the maze, the labyrinth, was designed to facilitate spiritual journeys. While mazes are composed of many branching paths, the labyrinth consists of one long, winding path.
Bangkok’s real name
The ceremonial name of Bangkok is: “Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit” This means “City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra‘s behest”.